Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

What is the appropriate description for Bostrichid beetles based on age and type of wood they infest?

1. Usually old hardwood

2. New softwood and hardwood

3. Occasionally new softwood

4. Old hardwood

The correct answer is: New softwood and hardwood

Bostrichid beetles are known for infesting various types of wood, including both old and new hardwoods as well as softwoods. The correct answer highlights the fact that these beetles can attack wood that is freshly cut, meaning that they are not limited to just aged or decaying wood. This adaptability allows them to infest newly worked timber, making them a concern for those in the woodworking and lumber industries. The presence of Bostrichid beetles in new wood can result in significant damage, particularly in stored timber that hasn't had sufficient treatment to prevent pest infestations. Their larvae burrow into the wood, creating tunnels as they feed, which can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic value of the wood products. This understanding emphasizes the need for vigilance not only with older wood but also with newly processed materials, which is crucial in pest management and product maintenance strategies in forestry and carpentry.